When should a patient with burns be placed on a high-protein diet?

A patient with burns should be placed on a high-protein diet immediately after injury because protein plays a crucial role in the healing process. In the case of burns, the body experiences significant physiological stress, which results in increased metabolic demands. A high-protein diet is essential to meet these needs, support tissue repair, and promote recovery.

Immediately after the injury, the body requires additional nutrients, particularly protein, to help rebuild damaged tissues and combat the catabolic state that occurs due to the trauma. Burns can lead to rapid tissue breakdown and loss of lean body mass, so ensuring adequate protein intake assists in synthesizing new tissue, enhances immune function, and contributes to overall healing.

Nutritional support should be initiated as soon as possible, making it essential for healthcare providers to consider a high-protein diet right from the initial stages of care. This nutritional strategy is vital for improving outcomes in burn patients by facilitating better recovery and reducing complications associated with malnutrition.